Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jake Wieneke (9) celebrates with teammates after catching a two-point conversion during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)

In that moment, the 23-year-old Maple Grove native stopped what he was saying and flashed a smile before continuing with his original answer.

“It’s been fun to get to go down in a two-minute situation the last couple of games and make some plays,” Wieneke said.

Wieneke made the biggest play of the game Friday night at U.S. Bank Stadium, catching a short pass from third-string quarterback Kyle Sloter and fighting into the end zone for a two-point conversion that proved to be the difference. He also chipped in with a 1-yard touchdown reception earlier in the game.

“It was a pretty special feeling,” Wieneke said of his winning play. “I was just trying to catch the ball and then I kind of turned and saw where I was at and I was like, ‘I can’t go down until I cross the line.’ When I got in, it was an amazing feeling.”

As a kid who grew up 20 minutes away from the Metrodome, Wieneke always dreamed of playing for the hometown team, even if it seemed unlikely at the time. He dominated at Maple Grove High School and starred collegiately at South Dakota State before signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent.

“It’s been amazing,” Wieneke said. “I’m enjoying every second of it and really trying to embrace the whole thing.”

Wieneke drew praise from the likes of quarterback Kirk Cousins and fellow receiver Adam Thielen throughout training camp, using his 6-foot-4, 220-pound frame to flash his potential as a big-bodied target.

“He’s got some ability,” Cousins said. “I think the strength for him is going to be using his body, and having a good feel for how to play the position, and catching everything that is thrown his way.”

“I love his mind-set,” Thielen added. “He loves the game of football. He’s made a lot of plays out here, and it’s fun to see. He’s a guy that had a lot of success in college. I think if he can do the little things right, he could have a lot of success at this level.”

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